A phrase in today’s Gospel (Luke 19, 1-10) makes clear the mindset of Jesus as He makes His way to Jerusalem. The same phrase also throws light on all of His activity. His purpose in life was always “to seek out and save what was lost.” That phrase is crucial to our understanding the whole Gospel! It also means that if we recognize a certain “lostness” in ourselves, our way to be saved is to trust in Him, and let Him find us, just as He found Zacchaeus.
“Being found” by Jesus meant that Zacchaeus the tax-collector had to let go of many things, including any arrogance based on his wealth. He humbled himself by climbing the sycamore tree, and then promised to hand over much of his wealth, and to pay back those he had defrauded. In return, Jesus set aside His dignity as a rabbi and a Man of God by going to dine in the house of such a notorious sinner.
Jesus looked up into sycamore tree and called Zacchaeus, “Hurry on down!” — for He knew the man was ready for a change of heart. St Luke adds that the conversion of Zacchaeus brought such joy, not only to himself but to everyone around him. Truly, “the Son of Man has come to search out and save what was lost.”
Let us pray. “God of power and Lord of mercy, from whose fullness we have received, direct our steps in our everyday efforts. May nothing ever blind us to you, the source of every good. May we live the faith we profess and trust your promise of eternal joy. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.”
